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SINGAPORE : It’s hot in the studios of Radio 91.3 especially with The Morning Show being a rather hot seat for DJs.
Monday will see new hosts replacing Petrina Kow who quit and well-known radio personality Joe Augustin, who says he was asked to leave by the management.
38-year-old Augustin told Channelnewsasia.com, "I am disappointed because I felt we were heading in a pretty good direction. We were beginning to build a momentum and naturally I would want to be part of the process. And then suddenly, I get thrown off the train."
Both said they had been planning for a more gradual change after Kow tended her resignation in April to spend more time with her family.
According to Kow, she had been more than willing to stay on the show till a new co-host could replace her of her duties, and Augustin had frantically looked for a new partner.
Unfortunately, after Augustin found someone that he could co-host the show with, he didn’t get a chance to raise the matter as he’d been asked to leave.
Jamie R Meldrum, Radio 91.3’s Programme Director, explained that the short notice given to Augustin was only because of Kow’s "hasty resignation".
He also added, "We weren’t interested in continuing the revolving door of Joe’s partners and inviting the never-ending comparisons and other baggage that went along with that. So after considerable deliberation, we decided to make a fresh start, in line with what we’ve done with the rest of the station."
Will the fresh start at the Breakfast Show be just what listeners will lap up?
Right now, many say they will follow Augustin if by any chance the well-loved radio presenter returns on air.
Fans have been reacting with a range of emotions from shock, sadness and even to anger that Augustin, a veteran radio personality could be told to pack up with such short notice.
One fan, John Cheong has gone on to Facebook to create a group titled "How dare they fire Joe Augustin". And in a matter of days the group has garnered the support of 71 members and looks only set to grow.
Cheong remarked that "the decision (to fire Augustin) seems to be short-sighted and blinkered, and it was extremely disrespectful to the audience".
Although Augustin is not new to controversy, the consensus of listeners is one of praise for the ‘Cristiano Ronaldo of the airwaves’.
The pair of Kow and Augustin had ruled the morning run on 91.3 since 2006 and fans say it is "sad that the plug had to be pulled so prematurely".
The Program Director of 91.3 however said the move was not drastic and was "simply a programming change", adding that while the two may have been a great fit for a particular concept that was implemented by the station, the pairing didn’t work when management decided to change the concept.
Two new hosts will hit the airwaves on Monday and Meldrum says listeners will be able to see what the management means about the new jocks being more in line with the station’s direction.
Industry sources have brought up familiar names like former 98.7FM radio deejay Sheikh Haikel and Suzanne Walker, who currently hosts the Lunch Show from 10am to 2pm on Radio 91.3.
Going forward, Augustin said that he is in talks with local radio stations and is also setting his sights across the causeway, in particular Johor Bahru. He is also keeping busy with hosting and voice-over work.
- CNA/vm
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